On May 2, the Silicon Prairie Awards will be coming back to Omaha, the city where it all began. In years past, we’ve moved around the Silicon Prairie, highlighting the startup communities of Des Moines, Lincoln and Kansas City. The SPAwards have been proud to showcase each community and show how their unique and important contributions have led to the growth and success of the region.
Omaha’s changing scene
Omaha’s startup scene has evolved immensely since it hosted the first SPAwards in 2012. As hundreds of startups were founded over the years, community mentorship and support grew with more coworking and creative spaces, and local investors and incubators in the area.
Essential support has been given by business innovators like The Startup Collaborative, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the odds of startup success, Do Space, a one-of-a-kind community technology library, and Dundee Venture Capital, an investor in high-growth, early-stage technology companies.
Thanks to our sponsor
We couldn’t possibly list everyone who has played an important part in forming the Omaha startup scene, but each person who has contributed their time, talent and investment is important to the Silicon Prairie’s growth.
Innovative spirit brings inspiring spaces
Central to Omaha’s growth in the creative scene are key contributors Nick and Brooke Hudson, founders of Omaha Fashion Week and owners of the Omaha Design Center, an event center built specifically to house their vision of what fashion week should be.
The Hudson’s have grown Omaha Fashion Week into the nation’s 5th largest fashion week, supporting 55 independent designers every year, more than any other event in the Midwest. Designers are selected based on their merit and are given six months of mentorship, educational opportunities and a professional platform to showcase their work.
Omaha Fashion Week’s entrepreneurial spirit aligns with that of the broader startup community, Silicon Prairie News and AIM. The Hudsons themselves are catalysts in transforming Omaha’s culture by creating an inclusive and inspiring space for the creative community. Because of that, we are beyond proud to bring the Silicon Prairie Awards to The Omaha Design Center and share in their mission of inclusion.
Event Details
The judges’ ballots are in and the public voting is complete, so now it’s time to celebrate.
The Silicon Prairie Awards is our chance to recognize eight companies and individuals from the region for their outstanding products, excellent service, and selfless contributions shown through their work. For 2017, the SPAwards will coincide with Omaha Startup Week, a five-day celebration of the entrepreneurial community and the people who drive it.
When: May 2, 2017, event begins at 7-10 PM
Where: Omaha Design Center (1502 Cuming St)
Tickets: $25
For sponsorship and table reservations, contact Brian Lee at brian@siliconprairienews.com or 402.345.5025 x343.
